'Reasons to Be Cheerful' - 50th anniversary speaker series

In a world where media coverage of environmental issues often highlights doom and gloom, Professor Andrew Balmford FRS offers a fresh perspective. Drawing on decades of research and collaboration with conservation practitioners, economists, and psychologists, Andrew argues that cautious, evidence-based optimism is essential to tackling environmental challenges.

Author of Wild Hope and a driving force behind initiatives like the Student Conference on Conservation Science and Earth Optimism, Andrew is a former Hills Road parent as well as Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Cambridge.

His work focuses on balancing biodiversity conservation with human needs. In this engaging talk, he will showcase uplifting examples of conservation success stories from around the world, revealing how innovative approaches and collaborations are making a difference.

We hope to see many familiar faces in the audience as we continue to mark our half-centenary and commemorate Hills Road’s shared commitment to education, innovation, and a hopeful future for generations to come...